There’s a chewed-up gym shoe on my back porch right now—and I’m pretty sure it used to be mine.

Life with a new puppy has been… well, let’s just say sanctifying. My sweet Porsche is full of energy, curiosity, and zero understanding of the word “no.” She’s in that teething phase where everything is fair game—shoes, socks, living room & dining room rugs, and apparently, any plant within reach.(seriously after you throw up for the 4^th time you would THINK she would get a clue!) She tears through the house like she owns the place, and just when I think she’s settled down, she finds something else to chew on.

And I love her. So much. But let’s be honest, this season is not always cute or convenient. It’s exhausting. It’s frustrating. It’s loud and messy and unpredictable.

Sound familiar?

Puppy parenting has reminded me a lot about life with people—how loving someone deeply doesn’t mean every moment is easy. Whether it’s toddlers, teenagers, coworkers, or family members going through hard things… love requires patience. And on the hard days, I’ve had to whisper some real prayers:

“Lord, give me grace for this mess.”
“Help me not to lose my temper.”
“Please let her sleep through the night just once.”

But here’s what I’m learning: even in the tearing and teething and training, God is using these small moments to grow me. Because He is endlessly patient with me, too.

Psalm 103:14 reminds us that “He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.” God understands our weakness. He sees the whole process—our messy middles, our tantrums, our need for correction—and still responds with love.

James 1:4 says, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God doesn’t waste these seasons. He uses every challenge—every chewed-up shoe and sleepless night—to shape us more into who He’s calling us to be.

Hope Darst "Your Emotions Make a Terrible Master"

So whether you’re raising a puppy, a toddler, or just trying to keep it together today… you’re not alone. God is right there in the middle of it, offering strength when you’re tired and wisdom when you’ve run out.

And hey, if your favorite sandals just got destroyed—He sees that too. Maybe it's time for a new pair and a new perspective...and who doesn't like shoe shopping!

By the way...

We have a Bible Study with our World's Biggest Small Group you might want to check out! Its all about Strength in His Name! God invites us to see our limitations as an introduction to His power!